WHEN Col McPherson was working with a couple of politically conservative friends in November 1975, he wanted to "hit the buggers".
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"One of them came out laughing saying 'Gough has been sacked'," Mr McPherson said.
"I was outraged - we were all outraged."
The dismissal of the Whitlam government remains a divisive and controversial piece of political history for members of Riverina Labor.
The branch is gearing up to toast the life and legacy of Gough Whitlam next week to coincide with the state funeral of Australia's 21st prime minister.
Among the stories shared and emotions felt on the night, anger over his removal is one Mr McPherson can't look past.
"Standing on the polling booths after that dismissal, there was a Labor mate standing next to me handing out how to votes, someone took it and tore it up in his face - I'd think I'd have hit him too," he said.
"The election after Whitlam was sacked the emotions were just so high all round Australia, especially here."
The rusted-on Labor voter - a "true believer" to use the party's terminology - believes Whitlam had a "one of us" appeal to voters.
His great fall a consequence of his "change the world" pace of policy-making.
Riverina Labor branch secretary Tim Kurylowicz said Nationals MP Michael McCormack has flagged his intention to attend the wake.
Mr Kurylowicz said the Whitlam legacy transcends party boundaries.
"For me, Gough is someone who has to be remembered as someone we all owe a lot," he said.
"There are only a handful of prime ministers that so many great Australians have a strong connection with, and Gough was one of them."
Labor contender for the state seat of Wagga, Dan Hayes, said Whitlam's impact was longer than the three-year electoral cycle.
"It was: let's do something and let's deal with it now," he said.